THE UNITED STATES

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15542, 30 December 1914, Page 7

THE UNITED STATES

SENDS NOTE TO BRITAIN. COMPLAINT REGARDING CARGOES. Received 9.5 p.m.. Deo. 29th. WASHINGTON, Dec. 23. The United States is addressing a strong remonstrance to Britain against the treatment of American commerce by the British Fleet. A Note despatched to' Sir Edward Grey asserts that much hostile feeling is being generated in the "United States owing to activities against American cargoes. While the representations are made in a friendly spirit" it is pointed out that public opinion holds Britain responsible for the present depression in American industries. Reinbursement for seized cargoes, it is declared, is no remedy for the grievances. The chief difficulty is the moral - effect on American exporters, who are restrained from taking risks which they otherwise would, in trading with neutral countries. A full statement of the British attitude is asked for, in order that steps may be taken to protect American citizens engaged in legitimate trade. Tho Note is vigorously worded. It is declared to be the strongest addressed'to any belligerent since the outbreak of the war. AN IMPORTANT POINT. A BRITISH AUTHORITY. AGAINST BRITISH PRACTICE. Received 11.30 p.m., Dec. 29th. WASHINGTON, Dec. 28. The United States Note to Britain also quotes Lord Salisbury, pointing out that in the course of correspondence with Washington during the Boer War Lord Salisbury laid down the dictum that foodstuffs are only liable to seizure as contraband if consigned to the enemy's forces. It is not sufficient that foodstuffs are capable of being used to feed an enemy's forces, but it must be shown that such was their destination at the time of seizure. The importance of this contention consists in this, that if it is upheld tho United States will be able to supply Germany and Austria with food, and hence will prolong the war indefinitely and neutralise the efforts of the British Fleet. NOTIFICATION FROM THE KAISER. AMERICAN CONSULS IN BELGIUM. WASHINGTON, Dec. 28. Germany has formally notified the State Department that the Kaiser wishes the withdrawal of American Consuls from Belgium, except in certain specified cases of which the Kaiser approves. THE EMBARGO ON WOOL. STRENUOUS OPPOSITION. V It is reported that the southern wool-growers are "strenuously opposing the Government's negotiations for the removal of England's embargo on the export of wool which is greatly increasing and benefiting the production of the' United States.

SUGGESTED CONFERENCE. OF NEUTRAL NATIONS. NEW YORK, Dec. 28. "The Times" "Washington correspondent states that Venezuela has suggested the calling of a conference of all the nieutral nations at 'Washington to consider a revision of the rules regarding the rights of neutrals in war-time. j ! I